Character Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
““Among many morals which press upon us from the poor minister's miserable experience, we put only this into sentence: Be True! Be True! Be True! Show freely to the world if not the worst, yet some trait whereby the worst can be inferred.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850
Emphasizes unwavering honesty as a moral compass, urging people to reveal even their flaws openly.
In simple terms: Honesty is essential; show even your flaws.
Key Takeaway
Practice radical honesty.
Themes
integrity
honesty
morality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- public speaking
Key Concepts
self‑disclosure
ethical transparency
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you be honest without harming others?
- When is discretion more valuable than truth?
A Different Perspective
Being completely truthful can damage trust if not balanced with tact.
